PERFECT roundup

There have been so many great posts on some of my favorite blogs in the past couple of weeks, I just had to share. 

From top: a special present wrapped by Anna from Absolutely Beautiful Things (she ascribes to my same philosophy, said in earlier post...see here); paper flower tutorial from Dozi Designs via Creature Comforts; Gene Hovis 'entertaining' closet from Peak of Chic; David Hicks table from Habitually Chic (reminds me of Gen's drink spread, pictured below); inspirational summer caps from MA Belle (vintage photo via Absolutely Beautiful Things); and lastly, here's a link to some great summer discounts from Decor8. 

party perfect: REAL party (shower by Gen)

Last October, my dear sweet friends threw a baby shower for me. The majority of them are out-of-towners, so Gen, one of my fellow Nashvillians, took it upon herself to organize the party. I think the other hostesses were thrilled to delegate the task, and Gen got to show just how well she can pull together a shindig!

It was a small lunch held at an apartment in East Nashville. Everything was amazing-- from the setting to the way the food was presented to the perfect 'Martha' (as Gen would call it) gift basket. I also loved the pig invitations (it was a southern-style shower), given that my babe, Gram, was born during the year of the Golden Pig (and also because I designed the invitations!).

Gen likes to focus on the décor and 'marketing' aspects of the party (gift wrap, invitations, etc), and leaves the food to the professionals. She just repackages it to suit her style. In this case she picked up food from Bread & Company (a local restaurant), and presented it beautifully on trays. 

Gen is no stranger to kudos for her design sense- her homes have been featured in Domino, Better Homes & Gardens, Elle Décoration/Britain, Budget Living and Lucky. I feel fortunate to not only have her as a friend, but as a style guru! I am doing my best to convince her to give PARTY PERFECT bi-weekly 'Gen tips'...we'll see if she can make time for it.

In the meantime, here are some pictures from the party! I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed the party.

From top: the gift basket, set out on the dining table; the food spread (food by Bread & Co, styling by Gen)...red trays are from Target; the drink set-up...white tub is from Target; the hostesses that could attend (and me), from left: Miller Callen, Sara Hicks Malone, Julie Harlan, Genifer Goodman Sohr...also a closer look at the gift basket, which includes stuffed monkey from Bla Bla; a view of the living room, on the table is a bottle of wine I gave as hostess gifts...I copied the pig from the invitation and personalized it with their name; lastly, the pig invitation that was used (but not with this type). Available at Polka Dot Design.

TGIC (thank goodness it's cheap) wine wednesday!

Let me make this clear from the get-go: I like wine, but I am not a connoisseur. I can not tell you if a wine is oak-y or has cherry undertones. But I can tell you if I think it is good or not good. And if a wine exceeds a certain price and it is not a particularly special occasion (and I'm the one paying for it), then to me, there is a limit on how good a wine can be.

The wine I've chosen to feature this week tastes good, costs $14 a bottle, and is pleasing to look at. I am officially recommending this Argentinean wine: Finca El Peral Cabernet Sauvignon 2005. I have tried other wines within the El Peral line (including the Malbec, which I think is mediocre), but this one is the BEST. I would bring it as a hostess gift for a book club gathering, give it as a holiday present, and serve it at a dinner party that I'm hosting. It's GOOD.

oldies but goodies

It's no secret that many designers look to the past for inspiration. Really good design can withstand the test of time and transcend the era it was born. Many of my favorite designs and patterns originated in the 1950's and 60's...though I am sometimes surprised to find myself picking up items from the 70's, and (gasp!), 80's, occasionally! Can you spot some of today's trends showing up in these vintage finds?

From top: rose card from ricracbuttons, etsy; vintage stripes and spots from bostonbaglady, etsy; vintage airmail labels from bostonbaglady; yellow flower cards from bostonbaglady; silhouette box from vintageworks/etsy.

mmm...IZZE!

I discovered IZZE drinks through a friend of mine, who is OBSESSED with them! She talks about her beloved Pomegranate with such reverence, and seeks out IZZE anywhere she goes. I soon saw why she had such a fixation.

IZZE drinks not only look good, but taste good, too. I can see these cans gracing a well-stocked cooler at a party, or even set out on the counter.

When the same friend of mine (a shop-owner) tried to stock IZZE in her store a couple of years back, they were told that the drink company had an exclusive contract with Starbucks. Happily enough, it looks like IZZE has since wised up and are now offering their beverages through several other outlets, including World Market (currently on SALE!) and Amazon.

Some other interesting facts from their website: IZZE was founded in 2002 by two friends who set out to create a distinctive natural beverage while contributing to a higher purpose. IZZE sparkling juice, an all-natural blend of pure fruit juice and sparkling water, is free of caffeine, refined sugars, and artificial ingredients. It is naturally sweetened with fruit juice only. IZZE's philanthropic focus is to improve people's lives through education and to encourage literacy by providing books and educational opportunities to those in need. IZZE brings this focus to life through a partnership with Global Education Fund.